Box Score WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Polk State Basketball nearly pulled off a spectacular comeback after trailing by as many as 25 points on Wednesday night. However, the Eagles were unable to overcome a tough first half of shooting, falling to Santa Fe College Saints 80-75 to drop their fourth straight in Citrus Conference play.
 
The Eagles (12-15, 3-10 Citrus) were ultimately sunk by a challenging first half offensively, shooting 22.2% from the field, including 0-for-18 from behind the arc through the first 20 minutes of action. Meanwhile, the Saints (10-16, 2-10 Citrus) shot 54.8% from the field and 50% from three-point land during that stretch.
 
Santa Fe led by as many as 25 in the first half before taking a 42-23 advantage into the locker room. Kevin Pazimino shot 5-for-7 from three in the first half for the Saints.
 
Polk attacked the rim and executed a strong press against Santa Fe in the second half that opened the door for a potential comeback. The Eagles went 19-for-23 at the charity stripe in the second half after going 3-for-5 in the first half and scored 20 points off 14 forced turnovers.
 
Malachi Stevens had a tremendous second-half performance, scoring 16 of his team-leading 18 points in the last 20 minutes of play, including a three-point shot that brought the Eagles to within three (78-75) with 35 seconds remaining. However, the Saints were able to ultimately close out the contest at the free throw line, despite Polk outscoring them 52-38 in the second half.
 
Cole White turned in his second straight double-double, scoring 16 and bringing in 12 boards. Nathan Andrice was also in double digits, totaling 15 points.
 
Polk State stays at home on Saturday for a tough draw against No. 3 Daytona State College. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.